The unexpected shift to online learning can be jarring for both students and academic staff alike as universities move to close campuses amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The University of Wollongong has been working on shifting its lectures to remove delivery, and teaching staff who can move their classes online this week are already being encouraged to do so. The COVID-19 outbreak has also put the University’s 2020 academic calendar under review.
UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings said academics, such as casual teaching and professional services staff, will be making use of the Autumn mid-session break to move undergraduate and postgraduate programs online. By 6 April, all UOW classes will be in remote delivery mode.
During the break, which will run from 23 March-3 April, the University’s facilities will remain open but Professor Wellings encouraged students to keep their visits to these areas to a minimum.
“While there are still no confirmed cases of the virus here on our Australian campuses, we know that there are confirmed cases in our communities. It is inevitable that staff and students associated with UOW will be impacted,” Professor Wellings said.
“As this pandemic unfolds, students and colleagues will experience disruptions in their personal lives, such as needing to care for and support family members. Students and staff who find themselves in this situation are encouraged to use the support services and leave provisions in place at UOW so that they can support their families.”
Keeping mental health in check
Flinders University Professor Mike Kyrios, provided strategies to keep one’s mental wellbeing in check amid the lack of social and physical interaction.
Professor Kyrios is also the Órama Institute of Mental Health, Wellbeing & Neuroscience director at the University.
The first strategy students and staff can utilize, says Professor Kyrios, is to keep in touch with peers through social media or other messaging platforms. Sharing experiences through Skype, for example, can help facilitate support between colleagues.
However, Professor Kyrios warns that limiting interactions — both physical and online — is also important. This is especially the case when one can feel stressed due to being kept in a limited space for an indefinite period.
Turning to yoga or any other practices for relaxation and mindfulness is also encouraged to curb any feelings of anxiety while minimising physical contact with others. Aside from catching up on low-energy hobbies, individuals stuck at home should also try to make time for exercise.
Professor Kyrios also said that making use of alternative thinking — or questioning one’s negative feelings – can help with managing stress.
Students and staff can think about what experts have said about the COVID-19 pandemic to rationalise any feelings of fear or anger. They can also keep in mind if their responses to the situation is reasonable.
Professor Kyrios also said that turning to a friend or counsellor can help if it gets hard to think things through by oneself.
Last, but not the least, maintaining mindfulness of others and their feelings should not be forgotten amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Professor Kyrios encouraged maintaining interpersonal relationships even with one’s neighbours while keeping good hygiene practices to keep older folks and those with medical conditions safe.